Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Queens) passed bill number A6114-C which requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to establish a system to track energy creation, attributions, and trade within New York State. A certificate tracking mechanism system has become necessary as New York moves toward a market based system that will stimulate renewable energy production. This requirement is a pivotal step in developing the infrastructure necessary to successfully monitor the trade and use of this commodity in New York.

This law details that for each megawatt of electricity generated in the state, a system will assign a unique tracking number that will display ownership and attributions of the energy until the wattage is traded and the certificate number retired.

“The significance of the creation of a certificate energy tracking system in New York cannot be understated in terms of the future of our energy security,” Assembly Andrew Hevesi said. “As we transition into relying on new technology that generates renewable energy within the state, this system will provide accountability for the composition of energy we use and rely on.”

"We commend Assemblyman Hevesi for championing this important piece of legislation," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). "As the state strives to meet its clean energy goals, having a generation attribute tracking system will allow for greater accuracy and transparency when it comes to disclosing information about our state's fuel mix and the emissions levels associated with electricity generation. Ratepayers deserve to have access to timely information on the makeup of their energy supply, including the amount of energy provided to them via New York's renewable energy program and their own voluntary green power purchases, and a new tracking system will accomplish just that."

“IPPNY supports this legislation that would create a generation attribute tracking system to facilitate the exchange of information with our neighboring states about electricity produced in competitive markets,” stated IPPNY’s President & CEO Gavin J. Donohue. “These nearby markets already have tracking systems in place, and New York will join them in developing a compatible approach to enhance the connectivity and efficiency of broader regional markets. IPPNY thanks the sponsors of this legislation for their leadership in this area.”

Ken Daly, President, National Grid New York said, "National Grid is committed to delivering reliable electricity to our customers in an environmentally-friendly manner, and, for this reason we support the legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Hevesi. We believe that the creation of a tracking system in New York is a positive step forward in creating a responsible market to support renewable generation, while at the same time building upon existing NYSERDA programs."